Ask the Astronomy Officer to divine their birth date.
If nothing goes wrong, we'll exchange the dowry and dower.
On the first day of the upcoming year,
I will grant you the betrothal decree.
Consider it a new beginning for a new year.
Lady Baili's fasting
will have come to an end.
Much obliged, Father.
Send out my decree.
Feng Chang will be given the title of Prince Yongxin.
He will be granted a fief of 3,000 households.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Congratulations, Prince Yongxin.
Is this how it feels like to be a titled prince?
Everyone fights among themselves
to get to this position.
Your Lordship, you suddenly promoted Prince Chang.
Are you trying to use him to counterbalance Prince Lanxi?
Either way,
Lanxi has had his share of attention lately.
I can still afford the price of promoting someone to a titled prince.
This should at least wake up
those opportunistic ministers.
I still haven't decided who will be the heir yet.
Wise decision, Your Lordship.
Ask the Ministry of Works
to forge more armor and weapons
during this winter break.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Father gave Feng Chang the title of Prince Yongxin?
-Calm down, Your Highness. -Someone!
Yes, Your Highness?
Fetch a message to my mother.
Tell her it's ready to be deployed.
Yes, Your Highness.
Li Jiaxian.
Yes, Your Highness?
Your Highness, this is…
Would you defy my order?
No, Your Highness, this is a serious matter.
-It might… -So?
I can kill many birds with one stone.
Inform my uncle about it.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness, is it wise to leave your mother out of this?
Mother is now confined to her palace.
Even if we tell her,
she won't be able to help us.
On the contrary,
she might just cause more trouble.
Go now.
Yes, Your Highness.
YOUNGER BROTHER OF LADY BAILI, BAILI JING
It is Her Ladyship's order.
Did you hear everything clearly, Your Highness?
Are these truly her words?
Just admire the plum blossoms tomorrow with Ms. Qi Cheng.
There's no need
to worry about the rest, Your Highness.
Remind her
of what she promised me.
I'm only helping her this one time.
After tomorrow,
we don't owe each other anything.
Did you just say that Feng Chang invited me to admire plum blossoms?
Yes.
Right, Your Highness.
In your opinion,
doesn't this sudden invitation
raise suspicion?
It doesn't sound like what Feng Chang normally does.
Baili Jing went to visit Feng Chang in plain clothing?
-Carry on with the espionage. -Yes, sir.
PRINCE YONGPING'S RESIDENCE
You scum!
Prince Yongping, you're scum!
You destroyed my family.
I'll kill you. Let go of me!
Your Highness, black hound blood.
I'll kill you.
I'll kill you, scum!
Let go of me!
You scum.
Let go!
-Scum. -Don't worry.
I will come after you.
I will kill you. Let me go now!
I hope the black hound blood
will deter you from heading out today.
Who set the madman loose?
How dare he sullied Your Highness with black hound blood?
It's disgusting.
Your Highness,
the investigation has been completed.
He was a merchant
who colluded with Wang Minghai.
When Wang Minghai was arrested,
so was he due to bribery.
That's why he holds grudges against you.
Hand him over to the Capital City Governor.
Double the number of patrols outside of the residence.
Yes, Your Highness.
I have to visit
Minister Liu later.
All right.
Wait, no.
You've been defiled by black hound blood and need to stay home for a few days.
Then fast and rinse the filth away with salt.
Otherwise, bad luck will descend upon you.
I confirm the existence of such superstition.
New Year is around the corner.
Having a good start is very important.
Or else…
Your Highness, you shouldn't…
Enough with the dos and don'ts.
They are just baseless superstitions.
If my enemy pours me
black hound blood on the battlefield,
do I have to get on my knee and pray right away?
Chuanyun, did your brain stop working just now?
-I… -Why would you stop His Highness?
He's not looking for Minister Liu.
He's just using it as an excuse
to look for Ms. Feng.
It didn't come across my mind.
You…
His Highness is head over heels for Ms. Feng.
Ms. Feng?
Black hound blood?
Right?
I can still smell
the stench now.
Why are you laughing?
You are so calm and collected normally,
but when it comes to this, you have the reaction of a normal person.
Are you taking pleasure in my misfortune?
I have a solution.
Come with me.
SOUTHERN MARKET
What solution is this?
Can't you smell it?
It smells so good.
I can guarantee you that after you have this meal,
whatever animal blood stench on you will disappear.
Only the fragrance of western spice and meat
will be left.
Don't leave me. Listen.
This spice came from the West.
It's usually for a ritual
and it can dispel the bad luck brought by the black hound blood.
Believe me.
I have traveled for many years
so I have seen many tricks.
Foreign wisdom is still wisdom.
Do you understand?
Your dish is here.
Enjoy the meal.
What is this?
The middle section of the chicken feet.
It's crunchy and delicious.
Are you sure it's edible?
Edible and delectable.
Try it.
Bad luck begone.
Black hound blood?
What do you think?
Do you feel…
That's it.
That's what it tastes like in your mouth.
It's normal. Come.
Rinse your palate.
Now, savor it.
The taste is nothing special.
A noble like you lives arrogantly all the time.
You're sick of exotic delicacies,
but the true exotic delicacies hide in small alleys like this.
It's a shame that none of you
knows how to appreciate food.
How can you be this petty?
Didn't you say that
you'll get rid of the bad luck brought by the blood?
Yes.
But I'm with you now.
I need to make sure I don't get any bad luck either.
I'll have all of them then.
Your meat buns.
Meat buns!
-The best meat buns in town. -Sir.
Six tea eggs, please.
The tea eggs still need to be cooked for a little while.
It's all right. I can wait.
Langhua,
you're not done shopping yet?
Embroidered fabric! Come have a look!
Come!
-Does it look good on me? -Yes.
That's a redundant question.
In his eyes, you're beautiful in anything.
You…
-You're exaggerating. -I'm telling the truth.
Are you still hungry?
Are you already full?
You ate so little.
-Wait for me. -Hide.
Why?
-Stop right there. -Don't ask why. Just hide.
Take my candied hawthorn.
Don't ask. Go.
Go.
-Stop! -You're mean.
Fengxi.
-Fengxi. -Fengxi.
You bought so many things.
What a coincidence.
Fengxi, didn't you say
you were stuck at the Jade Moon Chant
so you had to go out to look for inspiration?
-Why are… -Yes.
Old Taiyin's technique is quite esoteric. I can't understand it fully.
So I was thinking
that walking around and observing
might give me some kind of inspiration.
You can get inspiration from this too?
Of course.
Why not?
Why else do you think I spent such a long time looking at it then?
Come have a look.
Look at this egg.
Look carefully.
This egg
is as murky as the world when it first came into being.
When simmered
with other spices and condiments,
this egg
became a dish that combines the essence
of meat and vegetables.
If you can decipher the secret within,
you will then overcome this ceiling
in martial arts.
Why are you laughing, Langhua?
No one is laughing.
I just couldn't agree more with what you said.
You are in another league, Fengxi.
Of course, I'm your martial sister. Come.
Look at
this egg.
Well…
We should leave now. We won't disrupt your perusal further.
Reflect upon the words I said.
Go.
Let's go.
Go.
Return now.
What did I just make up?
Buns!
Hot, steamy buns!
-Why did you-- -Why did you keep me hidden like that?
Can't I meet them properly?
No. I just wanted to make sure Langhua didn't find out anything.
-Why did you lie to them? -I…
It's because…
It's because I don't want them to get the wrong idea.
About what?
You haven't answered my question.
The wrong idea about what?
That I skipped my training
to study tea eggs with you here.
You even ate my candied hawthorn.
PRINCE YONGPING'S RESIDENCE
EVERLASTING VIRTUES
Your Highness,
the gift to Prince Chang for the plum blossom festival is ready.
Good.
Are you
truly attending the event?
No matter what,
he's my elder brother.
I shouldn't make things tougher for him.
EVERLASTING VIRTUES
-Nice shot, Your Highness. -Nice shot, Your Highness.
Please.
Look how beautiful this one is.
Who is prettier? The flower or me?
You, of course.
So why the long face then?
If you don't want to see me, don't force yourself.
Good morning, Prince Lanxi.
Pardon my intrusion, Official Jiang.
It's my honor, Your Highness.
Your Highness,
Prince Ju is at the Liangfeng Pavilion by the south.
If it's too cold for you,
you can head to Xuliu Parlor to listen to some music.
The performer today
is the renowned Yu Guan.
I would hate to miss her performance.
Right, is Feng Chang here?
Yes, he is at…
However, he is having a promenade with the daughter of Duke Qi.
It's best if you do not disturb them.
This way, please.
Good morning, Your Highness.
Good morning, Official Baili.
-It has been a while. -Mr. Liu.
Here, please.
Enjoy the spectacle, Prince Ju.
XULIU PARLOR
Your Highness, it's getting chilly here.
Allow me to fetch you a charcoal pot.
No need.
Where is the person who went to fetch Prince Chang?
Why hasn't he returned?
I will see to it that it's done now.
Forgive me.
It's all right. You're dismissed.
Yes, Your Highness.
Sir, come get changed with me downstairs.
It's cold.
I…
Follow me.
Here, please.
Your Highness, Prince Chang is getting changed.
He will be here soon.
Your servant will be back once he gets changed too.
This tea was freshly brewed. Enjoy, Your Highness.
Well.
Your Highness?
Greetings, Prince Chang.
Ms. Qi Cheng?
-Did you-- -Everything is ready.
Should we summon the people now?
She's cold-hearted.
Don't panic.
-But… -Yes?
Sorry, Your Highness.
Feng Chang,
why would you bring harm to me?
Lanxi cannot stay here.
I am the eldest son. You are the legitimate son.
We are meant
to be enemies.
We might as well settle the score
as early as possible.
I'm sure you are forced to do this.
Tell me. Who forced you, Feng Chang?
Speak now and we'll figure out a solution.
You have lied to me for many years.
Do you truly view me as your elder brother?
You only have yourself to blame
for what's coming next.
I never want it to be like this.
But in the royal family,
knowing more means more risks.
Blame yourself.
Blame the accursed destiny of this royal family.
Feng Chang,
why do you wish to harm me so?
I once told you
that we should go our separate ways.
Why do you have to come here?
Why can't you sever the tie between us?
When I was young,
my mother told me that you had a rough life
and that your mother didn't acknowledge you as her son.
That's why my mother asked me to be extra kind to you.
I cannot just stand still
while you continue to suffer.
I know
until now,
you take care of me more than I take care of you.
I want you
to live a carefree life.
If you have made up your mind,
then I have nothing else to add.
Feng Chang, you have been looking for a Golden Rattan Whip.
I found one.
Unfortunately,
we might have to let our mother down this time.
Feng Chang…
Stop pretending already.
You
are not the Feng Lanxi I know.
And I
am not the Feng Chang you know.
Go.
Now!
Why do you have to do this to her?
Why?
Feng Chang!
Isn't this Prince Chang?
Feng Chang! Summon the physician!
-Now! -This is bad!
Your Highness, I'm from the Medical Bureau…
Enough. Just help my brother.
Prince Chang is safe.
Now, carry my brother back to the residence to receive treatment.
-Hurry up. -Yes, Your Highness.
Careful.
XULIU PARLOR
-Here. Quick. -What happened upstairs?
Who was upstairs?
Prince Yongping is upstairs.
-Did something… -I'm held accountable
when such a serious issue happens.
Any brave soul here
is willing to go upstairs with me
to be my witness?
I…
Don't worry.
I'll come with you.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Let's go.
-Right, let's check it out. -Go.
This is…
I…
Qi Cheng.
My daughter!
My love!
Qi Cheng!
-My daughter! -Qi Cheng!
My condolences, Duke Qi.
This tragedy took place in my garden.
I will investigate it thoroughly
to give you an answer.
-Qi Cheng. -Can someone
please carry the Duke's wife and her daughter out?
Duke Qi,
I'm sorry.
Where is Prince Yongping?
He was the only one upstairs.
Only he could kill my daughter and Prince Chang.
Where is he?
Where is he now?
He is…
-I… -Your Highness,
may I know where you were just now?
Shouldn't you be watching the performance upstairs?
It was a rather boring performance
so I came down to fish.
Do you have an alibi?
Do I need an alibi
for a fishing trip?
But Ms. Qi was killed.
Prince Chang fell from the second floor.
You need to prove your innocence.
What?
Feng Chang did?
-Lanxi. -I'll visit Feng Chang.
Lanxi,
please clear your name first.
All right.
I was fishing by the pond.
Someone saw me.
We did see each other in the garden.
I can testify that Prince Yongping was next to me.
But that is insufficient.
Official Baili Jing, why are you here?
You're the murderer!
I'll kill you!
Stop!
-I'll kill you. -Calm down, Duke Qi.
Even if His Lordship wants me to pay with my life,
I still want to avenge my daughter.
Calm down, Duke Qi.
No matter what,
His Lordship will give you an answer.
Qi Cheng!
Lower your head and follow me.
Greetings, Prince Yongping.
Here, please.
Your Highness.
It's your fault.
You wanted to use Feng Chang to frame me.
Don't worry.
No one
will be able to walk out scot-free.
Your Lordship,
I demand justice!
My daughter
was but 19 of age.
Your Lordship!
Don't you worry, my loyal minister.
I will definitely
get to the bottom of this
and give you a satisfactory answer.
How is Prince Yongxin?
Your Lordship,
the physician said that Prince Yongxin survived,
but he remained unconscious.
However, due to his broken right leg,
he might be handicapped in the future.
What about Baili Jing?
Other than the scratches on his face,
he has sustained any external injury.
But he is in this
catatonic state now
as if he suffered tremendous trauma.
As to whether it's real or it's an act,
we'll know after the constable interrogates him.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Any comments on this case?
Father, obviously,
this is but a framing device deliberately set up against me.
It is fortunate that I left Xuliu Parlor early.
Otherwise, the name of such a crime will fall onto me.
It is uncanny what has transpired today.
Prince Yongping must have come prepared.
When you talk to His Lordship later,
defend your brother.
That way,
he won't suspect you of anything.
Father,
I am just as perplexed.
I don't know what exactly happened.
However, this arrogant criminal hurt Qi Cheng,
hurt Feng Chang,
and wanted to frame Lanxi.
He has committed a serious crime.
You're right, Prince Ju.
Your Lordship,
Prince Yongping was at the parlor,
but he changed his mind suddenly to fish by the pond.
Coincidentally, Baili Jing was there too.
I'm sure
Prince Yongping holds more information.
It is quite possible
that all this is just his attempt to frame Baili Jing.
Why would I do that?
You have a close tie with Prince Chang.
Why would he frame you all of a sudden?
Besides, who will benefit the most
from pinning this crime against Baili Jing
other than Prince Chang, Your Highness?
Now that we have the evidence,
do you still think it's my doing, Duke Qi?
Do you think
you can accuse the royal family of wrongdoing like that?
You…
Duke Qi must be too grief-stricken
to mince his words.
You have a generous soul, Your Highness.
Please forgive him.
As for Duke Qi's accusation,
I'm afraid we can only decide
after Prince Chang
regains consciousness.
Let's wait until Zhang Zhongge
is done interrogating everyone.
Send the Medical Bureau chiefs
to Prince Yongxin's residence.
Wake him up as soon as possible.
All of you are dismissed for now.
-As you wish, Your Lordship. -As you wish, Your Lordship.
Yuan Lu.
Yes, Your Lordship?
Who do you think is the culprit?
I…
I do not have an answer either, Your Lordship.
Baili Jing is an eyesore,
but I don't believe
he can commit this grave crime out of lust.
Do you think
perhaps Feng Chang wished to frame Lanxi
only to be outmaneuvered by the latter?
Pardon my incompetence.
I do not know.
However, I'm inclined to believe
that Prince Chang is a victim too.
If he wished to frame another person,
he did not need to risk his own life.
No handicapped prince has inherited the throne in Yongzhou.
Even if there is a precedence,
falling from a high place like this is simply too perilous a plan.
So that leaves Feng Ju and the Lady then?
He thought he could get rid
of his two elder brothers with one plan.
That way, the title of the heir
would naturally fall onto him.
I, Baili, wish to talk to you, Your Lordship.
Isn't she confined to her palace?
Why is she here?
Ask her to return.
Yes, Your Lordship.
Your Ladyship,
please return.
You still have to serve your confinement.
Please return, Your Ladyship.
Move aside.
I will see His Lordship today.
Your Ladyship.
You are dismissed.
Yes, Your Lordship.
What are you doing?
I know my brother has committed a serious crime.
I'm not here to give you excuses.
Please allow me to renounce my title
and set an example for your concubines.
I already have a lot on my plate.
I don't need more.
This is not an act, Your Lordship.
I personally selected Ms. Qi Cheng to be my daughter-in-law.
Now that she has been killed,
I can't help but feel guilty.
Whether my brother
will be found guilty
or if you will punish me,
I am willing to promise three things on behalf of the Baili family.
One, I'll compensate Duke Qi and his family 5,000 pieces of gold.
Two,
the son of Baili Jing
will marry the niece of Duke Qi.
Three,
the title inherited by my maternal family
will be bequeathed to the son of Duke Qi's niece.
May these compensatory gestures
put your mind to rest
and ease the pain of Duke Qi.
We'll discuss that later.
Since I'm ready to renounce my ladyhood,
I might as well come clean.
I know you have been growing suspicious of me,
but I can swear with my own life
that what transpired today
has nothing to do with me or Ju'er.
I know nothing
about the nefarious plot
in Xuliu Parlor today.
However, you are a shrewd man, Your Lordship.
You must know that
the one who stands to benefit the most
must be the mastermind.
I can do many things,
but I can't possibly devise an evil plan
when I'm confined to my palace.
Ju'er can be as bold as he claims to be,
but he'll never devise a plan
that jeopardizes the life of his own uncle.
Chang'er…
Chang'er
is also my son, regardless of everything.
All right.
Don't cry.
I will get
to the bottom of this.
Go back to your palace now.
Your Lordship,
I have sealed and searched Official Jiang's garden.
I found a dead body.
It's the servant in blue who went missing
in Xuliu Parlor.
An evidence erasure?
Yes.
Also, I found this
in his grip.
A dark fox fur coat?
Yes.
It was soaked in wine.
I had a dog sniff it.
It bears the same scent as the wine
on Ms. Qi Cheng's body.
Issue a decree
that other than Feng Chang,
all noblemen who took part in the plum blossom festival
have to reflect upon themselves in their abode.
Without my permission,
no one can venture out.
Once Feng Chang wakes up,
we'll know who's guilty
and who's innocent.
Yes,
Your Lordship.
Who did this?
Calm down, Mother.
It's Baili Jing's idea.
He said that we could seize this opportunity
to get rid of Feng Chang and Feng Lanxi.
That's why I agreed to it.
Was he smart enough to devise this plan?
I speak the truth, Mother.
I would never do this--
Mother, what should I do?
You left such a mess to me.
And now, I have to deal with it.
Go back to your residence
and stop giving me more trouble.
Yes.
Are you telling the truth?
Why are you examining the dark fox fur coat, Official Zhang?
Is it related to the perpetrator?
Sorry for the inconvenience, Your Highness.
Chancellor Ren,
His Lordship has ordered
that all staff of Prince Yongping's Residence
have to stay here for a few days.
Even government officials like you
are not allowed to leave or enter.
All right.
I will not disturb you further, Your Highness.
I will take my leave now.
Miss,
I have sent the new fox fur coat to Prince Yongping.
Did anyone see you?
I have been very careful.
No one has noticed me.
Good.
Keep Prince Yongping's old fox fur coat.
Why don't we destroy it?
Prince Chang is still unconscious.
Everything is uncertain.
To clear His Highness's name,
we have to prove that Baili Jing is guilty
before Prince Chang wakes up.
The fox fur coat
is the evidence.
His Highness cannot leave his abode.
People will talk, naturally.
So I have to deal with this.
If only His Highness could reciprocate your feelings.
My wish
is to make sure he can achieve
what he can achieve.